AS BOEING IS QUIETLY BEGINNING work on what is called the -5X project-a small widebody aircraft derived from its new midmarket airplane studies-the situation is getting serious for the three engine OEMs. The aircraft, if launched, would be the only new application for an engine-development program in the foreseeable future. It may also be the last conventional turbofan. Although General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce enter the competition from different positions, the stakes are very high for all of them. Many variables make the choice a tricky decision for Boeing. Because GE has a strong legacy with Boeing and because GE's CFM International joint venture with Sa-fran enjoys exclusivity on the 737 MAX, the -5X is GE's competition to lose. Also, new GE Aviation CEO John Slattery will not want to lose his first major competition at Boeing, even though one of his likely goals is a stronger presence at Airbus. Since GE decided to stick with its earlier commitment to pursue the new midmarket airplane through its CFM partnership, it seems likely GE would offer another version of the Leap engine.
展开▼
